(HOUSTON) – Mark Montanez, 35, of Houston, has been arrested as a result of the return of a one-count indictment for theft of the U.S. mail, United States Attorney José Angel Moreno announced today.

Indicted by a Houston grand jury on Aug. 19, 2010, Montanez surrendered to agents with the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) this morning and is expected to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Frances Stacy this afternoon.

The indictment arose from an investigation conducted by agents of the USPS-OIG into a complaint submitted concerning cash missing from pieces of U.S. Mail that had been placed for collection at a location serviced by The Woodlands Metro Station for delivery to recipients along a route assigned to Montanez.

Montanez began his employment with the USPS as a carrier technician on Nov. 13, 2004. If convicted, Montanez faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Tammie Y. Moore.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.